Yunus calls for scaling ideas to tackle global challenges at Tokyo forum

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus has underscored the transformative power of ideas, stressing that when properly supported and scaled, they can play a decisive role in addressing pressing global challenges.

Speaking at the Yunus Global Forum 2026 held on Thursday at the United Nations University in Tokyo, Yunus highlighted the necessity of collective action and innovation-driven solutions.

The forum, organized by the Earth Identity Project under the leadership of Kawahara-san, convened policymakers, practitioners, academics and students to advance the concept of social business.

In his keynote address, Yunus outlined ongoing initiatives in healthcare and introduced his vision for Grameen University, an entrepreneurship-focused institution aimed at enabling students to create and launch ventures during their academic journey.

The event revolved around Yunus’s “three zeros” framework: zero poverty, zero unemployment through entrepreneurship and zero net carbon emissions. Speakers, including the Bangladesh Ambassador to Japan and the Vice Rector of the United Nations University, echoed the urgency of collaborative, scalable solutions.

A key highlight was the presentation of Japanese social business models, particularly in the circular economy. These included large-scale efforts in recycling, plastic waste reduction, and resource efficiency.

Mitsuru Izumo, founder of Euglena Co., shared insights from his company’s work, noting that over 20 million packets of Euglena-enriched biscuits have been distributed to schoolchildren in Bangladesh to combat malnutrition. Izumo traced his inspiration back to his time as a JICA volunteer in Bangladesh nearly three decades ago, where he encountered Yunus’s work with Grameen Bank. He also pointed to Euglena’s emerging role in biofuel development, including early-stage applications in aviation.

The forum also spotlighted youth-led innovation through presentations from “Three Zero Club” members. Students showcased practical solutions, such as reducing plastic waste through water refill stations, developing low-cost climate-resilient housing using traditional Japanese Washi material, and designing inclusive consumer products like “My Earring,” which can be worn without ear piercing.

Local governance innovations were also discussed, with the mayor of Sakai in Ibaraki Prefecture presenting models in taxation, transport, and public administration that could be replicated elsewhere.

The event concluded with a panel discussion focused on scaling social business initiatives, strengthening partnerships and translating ideas into impactful action.

Among the attendees were Md Ashraful Hassan, Managing Director and CEO of Grameen Telecom Trust; Lamiya Morshed, Executive Director of the Yunus Centre; and Shazeeb M Khairul Islam, Founder of YY Ventures.